Gray Mountain: A Novel by John Grisham - Reviewed by J.T. Salrich

by J.T. Salrich

Gray Mountain by John Grisham is finally here! If you’d like to enhance your experience while reading Gray Mountain then this book review and study guide is perfect for you! Yes, in Gray Mountain, John Grisham once again takes us on an action packed roller coaster ride that you’re sure to enjoy. When you read Gray Mountain by John Grisham - Reviewed you will get a deeper understanding of the characters and plot found in Gray Mountain as well as the themes and symbolism included in the novel. You also get a detailed chapter by chapter breakdown and analysis of the events as they unfold along with a glossary of the important characters and terms used in the original book. Just in case that’s not enough for you I’ve also included a list of possible study questions (book club discussions topics) and quotes from the book that I found interesting. Wrapping it all up is a discussion of the critical reviews for Gray Mountain as well as my overall opinion of the book. Plus much more! Whether you’re reading this for a book club, school report, or just want to find out what happens before diving into the full length book, you can use this book review and study guide to get most out of your experience reading Gray Mountain by John Grisham.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook

Mass Market Paperback

First published December 25, 2014

Reviews

[Pat Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Grisham has thrilled us with his legalese and hints of romance. This book also educates about the plight of the the coal miner, the land, and the general population in Appalachia. Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky are all specified and evokes heartbreaking accounts of how people of Appalachia are used by big business coal. Thought this was one of Grisham's better reads.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read every John Grisham book and liked them all but I was disappointed in Gray Mountain. I found I didn't really care much for the main characters so it's hard to care what happens to them. I didn't think the main character rang true. The things she said and did seemed a little forcced. I was also waiting for something more to happen and it just never did. The ending seemed abrupt as well. However, the story of how the coal is mined was interesting.

[Judy Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gray Mountain is about lawyer Samantha Kofer. Because of cut backs she loses her job in New York. She moves to Brady, Virginia to take a job in legal aid clinic. Her new job introduces her to the dangerous world of coal mining. Samantha ends up helping families that are dealing with Black Lung. She has a change of heart about going back to New York.

This story has violence, paid off judges and broken rules. Samantha has the fight of her life to get justice for the coal miners of Brady.

A good story.

[James Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not Grisham's best.

This story lacks Grisham's usual pacey style. The main character's are uninteresting and the most intriguing character exits the story fairly early.

It is interesting to learn about "coal country", but it feels like the story has been relegated to an afterthought.

I'm a fan of Grisham's writing, but this is one of those rare books of his that I will not have a second read through.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, not his best...dialogue was weak all the way around. I cringe when male authors write for a female voice and they don't get it right. I wanted to cross out entire sections of the book, which was totaly distracting....On the positive, I learned a fair amount about the hazards of Appalachian strip mining. What a shame when greed causes such catastrophy to human life and our natural resources. Get 'em next time Grisham.

[Priscilla · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listened to this and was often confused about which voice was speaking. Everyone sounded like a teenage girl. If I wanted a lecture about the evils of the coal industry I am certain I could find a good non-fiction expose. Very disappointing example of trying to use fiction to make a political statement.

[Lorraine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blah. Flat and lacking any of his old pizazz.

[Jan Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is more like 2 1/2

[Laura G · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book kept me engrossed until it didn't. Grisham left three major plot lines unresolved. I wanted to know who/what won or lost.

[Maria Lang · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like reading John Grisham, it was good, was in between books

[Shannon]

One of my favorites. A few surprises throughout the book.

[Sheri McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will have you sympathizing with anyone in similar circumstances. Legalized pollution by big corporations add to the corruption. A very good read indeed.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Kept me guessing the whole time.

[Denise B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have family that were West Virginia and PA coalminers so I found this book quite interesting. The story line twisted and turned nicely. I was slightly disappointed in the abrupt ending.

[Lee-Ann Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I HAVE READ A LOT OF JOHN GRISHAM BOOKS. THIS BOOK WAS GOOD THAT HE STILL WROTE A LAWYER BOOK BUT HE HAD A WOMAN LAWYER AS MAIN CHARACTER. THE BIG BUSINESS HE WROTE ABOUT WAS THE COAL INDUSTRY. HE ALWAYS LIKES TO RIGHT ABOUT THE BIG INDUSTRY. HE BROUGHT A LOT TO LIGHT WHAT REALLY IS BEHIND IT.

[Stephanie Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way his books still draw you in, make you aware of a cause, and entertain at the same time. This book did all that.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read this kind of genre, but the writing kept me wanting was going to happen next. The area and content about strip mining was a new subject so I was interested in finding out more. What a sad subject. It bothers me that I can see a strip mine area in Ken Caryl from my house.

[Brent Stratton · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great read telling the sad but true reality about the rape of the land by strip mining companies.

[Rona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Samantha's NY law firm is cutting employees due to the recession and she is one whose job is ending. The company, however, offers to continue to pay for health insurance for a year if she works in a legal aid clinic. She secures a position in a small coal mining town and soon finds herself involved in the lawsuits against the big coal companies. She is drawn into the complexities of the strip mining business and the effects that has on the local townspeople. It becomes more than an intern's job as she delves deeper into the struggles of the families of the miners and becomes very involved in their cases. Enough so to keep her in the small town and reject the offer made by her former boss for a position in the law firm he is starting? No spoilers here; read it to find out.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I enjoyed Grisham's new book as always but this time it seemed like each chapter ending was a but choppy and abrupt. All in all still a good read. I learned a lot of new information about the coal industry."

[Kate Donnelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Grisham that I have read in a while. It was an easy read. The coal mining area and the difficult life they lived was worth the read. I had no feelings for the characters and what happened to them.

[Jonathan Yeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grisham I missed for s few books.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A predictable story.

[Jackie Zortman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting and subject of this book were rather depressing for me. However, it was beautifully written, as always. It just didn't appeal to me, so took me a rather long time to read.

[Louisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great insight into coal mining and the destruction of Appalachian mountains. Characters were bland and not developed enough to care for them.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love John Grisham novels, but this one was just OK.

[dmsburns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook 3-4 good likable characters. But very anti coal bent. But the depiction is somewhat true and sad

[Karla Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced and characters well developed. Wish the ending did not leave so much unresolved.

[Rob Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Mr Grisham. Always can feel the characters, the ones you like and the ones you don't.